One word: Landry. The Atlanta-based comedian is our pick to win it all.

Here’s what you’ve missed of the 33rd Annual Seattle International Comedy Competition: Over the course of three weeks, 33 comedians have refined their stand-up across Western Washington, playing to small (but vocal) crowds at Comedy Underground in Seattle or packed theaters at Skagit Valley and Snoqualmie casinos. They joked about childhood bullies and colonoscopies, pets and ex-wives; Nintendo came up a lot. And at the end of the day—and the end of the semifinals—there are two clear leaders: Michael Malone and Landry. The finalists, based on point totals, are:

I know, it's poor form to root against the local team, but after a night spent judging a semifinal bout, Michael Malone and Landry were my two favorites. Malone has an elastic face and high energy that begs Jim Carrey comparisons (in a good way, I swear), while Landry's "I'm the son of a Jamaican and a redneck" bit one-ups "You know you're a redneck when..." Plus, he goes by one name, which basically ensures fame and fortune. He's my pick to win it all.

The finals start tonight and run through Sunday. If you want to play judge at one of the upcoming final bouts, you’ll need a score sheet divided into seven categories and a beer.

Stage presence (charisma)Technique (how did they present their comedy? do any impressions? song and dance?) Delivery (timing, pacing, mumbling)Audience rapport (how did they handle hecklers?)Audience response (did the crowd go wild?)Material (smart or blue?)Judge’s response (I don’t know what it is, but I loved/hated that guy)

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